BASEBALL: G-A's Ryan Ricci officially signs to pitch at George Mason

This story appeared in The Record Herald on July 31 following Ricci's verbal commitment to George Mason.

GREENCASTLE — His can't-miss, natural ability was obvious early on. It's his work ethic off the field that has literally taken him to the next level.

After verbally committing in July, Greencastle-Antrim's Ryan Ricci signed his official letter of intent to continue his baseball career at George Mason University on Wednesday following the conclusion of his upcoming senior season.

Recognized as the ace of Blue Devils' pitching staff, the hard-throwing righty's dream of taking the mound for an NCAA Division I program has now come full circle, an accomplishment reserved for a select few.

"It has been a life-long goal of mine to get a Division I scholarship," Ricci said. "Baseball is like a step-by-step process. It feels really good to know that I worked hard enough to get to the next level, and it proves to me that when I dedicate myself to it, I can continue to climb the baseball ladder."

Coming off a stellar junior season at G-A — in which Ricci's arm proved paramount during the Blue Devils' improbable run to the District 3-AAA championship — the commanding hurler spent his summer playing for Chandler Baseball, an AAU showcase team which participates in premiere tournaments comprised of some of the nation's brightest prospects.

Between the exposure through Chandler Baseball and an Area Code tryout back in June, George Mason had seen enough to invite Ricci to campus. Following a pitching session at the school's annual baseball camp and a brief visit afterward, GMU extended an offer to Ricci to become a Patriot beginning in the fall of 2014.

"I really liked the pitching coach, Steve Hay, and everything he had to say," Ricci explained of what led to his decision. "After walking around campus, I loved it and could see myself going there even if it wasn't for baseball. The university was just what I was looking for."

Aside from ironing out where to ultimately take his talents — considering the likes of Monmouth, Villanova, George Washington and Lafayette were also expressing interest — Ricci's rare opportunity to make a decision prior to his senior year of high school should only benefit his progression.

"Now, I can take this fall to workout every day and improve my pitching ability, rather than traveling a lot and spending my time showcasing my skills (for colleges)," the son of Chuck and Anne Ricci said. "I can start my offseason earlier and be as prepared as possible to help my team (G-A) again this spring."

That type of dedication caused Blue Devil head coach Eric Shaner to refer to Ricci as "the hardest working player I've ever coached."

"He deserves it as much as anyone," Shaner continued. "Baseball is his life, but he's also a great student and just a well-rounded person. He's constantly working physically and mentally and now he's reaping the benefits."

Page 2 of 3 - In his third varsity season, Ricci posted a record of 5-1, pitching 47 2/3 innings with 38 strikeouts and a 3.02 ERA. Against Lancaster Catholic in the first round of the District 3 playoffs, Ricci put together arguably the best outing of his career, surrendering only two hits in 6 2/3 innings of relief, making the Blue Devils' 9-6, come-from-behind victory possible.

That same uncanny poise was not lost on Shaner upon his first impression of Ricci three years ago, when G-A's skipper elected to bring the polished newcomer up as a freshman.

"From the very beginning, Ryan had a mentality and disposition that was well beyond his years," Shaner said. "You just knew that this was a kid that could handle the pressure and had a team-first attitude. Three years later, that hasn't changed. If anything, it's only increased."

Looking back, Ricci credits Shaner's decision to essentially 'throw him in the fire' with significantly shaping the player he is today.

"Coach Shaner believed in me my freshman year and I cannot thank him enough for making that decision," Ricci said. "That season changed me as a player and a person and there is no way I would be here without it."

Like many standout athletes, Ricci also appreciates his solid foundation that made it all possible.

"My dad has put so much time and care into helping me improve," Ricci said of his father Chuck, who is a former professional baseball player and has served as a scout for Major League franchises. "He has been with me through my success and failures, and it's great to have him as a role model.

I would also like to thank my mom (Anne) and sister (Gabby) for traveling with me and putting up with as much baseball as they do. They've spent a lot of time in a car and on the bleachers for me."

"I don't want any 'what ifs' or feelings that things could have been different," the 17-year-old explained. "I want to dedicate myself and take it as far as I can. Whether that means I am done playing after I graduate from GMU, or I play professionally after my years there, I will be fine with that knowing that I did everything I possibly could."

But, before heading to George Mason, Ricci's immediate focus is on finishing what he and his teammates started at G-A, with aspirations of competing for a state title.

"My expectations are very high," Ricci said of his final campaign in blue and gold. "We made a statement last year and showed how much talent we really have. We have our starting pitchers returning, with myself and Myles Gayman, and I think our lineup will be just as strong. We are all going to work really hard in the offseason and history will again be made in 2014."

Page 3 of 3 - If Ricci's commitment to his craft rubs off on his fellow Blue Devils, it's hard to argue.